The Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks shook up the NBA world when they agreed on a trade deal that involved Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis.
The Mavericks made the decision to move on from Doncic before he had even entered his prime, leaving many scratching their heads.
On the other hand, the Lakers traded a champion in Davis, but there was little to no excitement in Dallas about it as the Mavs fans were angry due to Doncic being traded.
In the immediate aftermath of the trade, it had been claimed that nobody had known anything about it and it had taken everybody by surprise. But since then, there have been rumors that that might not have exactly been the case.
What effect did the trade end up having on the relationship between Davis and James, who had together brought a Championship to the Lakers?
“Ain’t no change for me,” Davis said. “It’s a business. People are saying that [James] knew [of the trade] because of the Marcus Morris [quote saying James knew] that comes out. [James] is saying he don’t. At this point, whether he knew or not or whoever knew, or it was quiet when [ESPN’s] Shams (Charana) dropped [the news], it doesn’t matter who knew. This (expletive) happened.
“You can’t change like, ‘Oh, [James] didn’t know, well let’s change it.’ It’s no going back. But as far as our leadership, obviously, we were on the same team, so we talked all the time. But [the Lakers] are trying to make a push, we’re trying to make a push, so we don’t talk as much. But we still check in on each other. He texts me all the time. [James’ chief of staff] Randy [Mims] hit me. Actually, they both just hit me.
Actually, they both just hit me. Vando [Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt] did. We still talk to those guys. I’ve been with [James] the longest, six-and-a-half years. We’ve been really close, but nothing has changed. Obviously, we don’t talk hang like we used to just because of the teams and stuff. But I’m sure we will get together over this summer and try to figure it out.”
So, it looks like nothing has changed between Davis and James since the trade despite the rumors that the latter might have known about it beforehand.
Whether he did or not, one thing that will never change is the fact that those two won a Championship together for the Lakers. That is something that links them together for life.
Right now, the Lakers have been struggling for form but look like a team that could give many nightmares in the post-season.
On the other hand, the Mavericks are dealing with never-ending injury problems and are 10th in the West, with a 36-38 record.
